Street Crime in Lisbon

Tourist Traps in Lisbon Street Crime

While Lisbon offers ample opportunities for sight-seeing, it also has its share of street crime. Pickpockets are the primary concern.

Warnings and Areas to Avoid

Stay away from the Intendente area at all times. That’s where the drug addicts and prostitutes are. Avoid the downtown area. Drug dealers there sell bay leaves instead of hash. Don’t buy anything from them.

While Lisbon is safer during the day, it becomes more dangerous at night, especially downtown, in the Rossio area, and around nightlife spots. Bairro Alto is a neighborhood with an eclectic nightlife scene. It also has plenty of crime and many drug dealers.

The #28 streetcar passes through older parts of the city and offers excellent photo opportunities, but be alert for pickpockets.

Try not to “look like a tourist” when you go to Rossio, which is located between Marques de Pombal roundabout and the river. Conceal your camera and don’t go there at night.

Precautions

Never leave belongings unattended. Always be alert. Call 112 in an emergency. Never leave a club alone on foot, especially if you’re a woman. Take a taxi.

Keep your wallet and valuables in front or inside pockets. Don’t put all your cash in one place, and avoid carrying large amounts of it. Look out for beggars; many are looking for drug money.

Keep your original passport and documents locked in the hotel safe. Take copies when you go out. The police will understand why you left the originals behind. Watch out for groups of people. Thieves use distraction tactics and work in teams.

Editor’s Note:  The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about street crime in Lisbon.

Lots of people begging  for money and many use it for drugs